Scores of children laced up their running shoes to take part in the launch of Kesgrave’s junior parkrun on Sunday.

A huge turnout of 157 children took part in the free, timed 2k run around Millennium Field - 95 of whom had never taken part in any other parkrun before.

Kesgrave’s is the third junior parkrun, aimed at four to 14-year-olds to launch in Suffolk.

And it was a special day for youngster Ebony Gilbert who celebrated her eighth birthday at the run.

She was also presented with a half marathon bracelet after completing 11 runs at Ipswich junior parkrun.

Event director Linda Young said she had no idea it would be so popular.

She said: “The 157 children who joined in doesn’t include the under fours who also took part. It was a massive turnout.

“We were aiming at 50 to 60 kids - it took us all by surprise.”

For more information on future events visit www.parkrun.org/kesgrave-juniors or www.facebook.com/kesgravejuniorparkrun